GBI Investigates Officer Involved Shooting in Henry County, GA

June 8, 2016

Stockbridge, GA – On Wednesday, June 8, 2016, at approximately 1:30 AM, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was requested by the Henry County Police Department (HCPD) to investigate an officer involved shooting that occurred as a result of a 911 dispatch in the 600 block of Swan Lake Road in Stockbridge, Georgia.

Preliminary information indicates that on Tuesday, June 7, 2016, at 11:54 pm, Henry County Police responded to a 911 call made from Swan Lake Road, Stockbridge, Georgia where the caller reported hearing an unknown female yelling for help and gunshots. Three (3) officers were dispatched to a location based on instructions relayed by the 911 operator. Eventually, the officers arrived at 690 Swan Lake Road in Stockbridge. Preliminary review of the 911 call indicates that the officers were at the wrong location. Upon arrival at the residence, officers were met by the homeowner, William Powell, age 63, who was armed with a handgun. Preliminary information indicates that officers gave verbal commands for Powell to drop his handgun which he did not comply with. An officer fired his weapon, striking Powell in the neck. The police officers were not injured during the incident.

Powell was taken to Atlanta Medical Center where he is being treated for his injuries.

The GBI will conduct an independent investigation to determine what occurred during the incident. When the investigation is complete, it will be turned over to the District Attorney for review.